2003 Porsche 911 turbo problems

General information about Porsche-911 turbo
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Porsche 911 (pronounced Nine Eleven or in German: Neunelf) is a two-door 2+2 high performance rear-engined sports car introduced in September 1964 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a rear-mounted flat-six engine and originally a torsion bar suspension. The car has been continuously enhanced through the years but the basic concept has remained unchanged. The engines were air-cooled until the introduction of the 996 series in 1998.

The 911 has been raced extensively by private and factory teams, in a variety of classes. It is among the most successful competition cars. In the mid-1970s, the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera RSR won world championship races including Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona. The 911-derived 935 turbo also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979. Porsche won the World Championship for Makes in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 with 911-derived models.

In a 1999 poll to determine the Car of the Century, the 911 was fifth. It is one of two in the top five that had remained continuously in production (the original Beetle remained in production until 2003). The one millionth example was manufactured in May 2017 and is in the company's permanent collection.

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Common 2003 Porsche 911 turbo problems

Based on the sources provided, here are the common problems with the Porsche 911 Turbo 2003 based on complaints from owners:

Oil Leaks:
- - Symptoms: Oil drips behind rear wheels, valve cover leaks, and turbo oil supply line leaks.
  - Details: The Porsche 911 Turbo 2003 is prone to oil leaks from sources like the rear main seal, valve covers, and turbo oil supply line seals. Valve cover leaks are noticeable and can be fixed by replacing the liquid gasket sealer. Addressing these leaks promptly is crucial to prevent further damage.

Interior Quality:
- - Issues: Rattles and quality concerns.
  - Details: Owners have reported interior quality issues, including persistent rattles, which can be frustrating. Despite the high initial cost of the vehicle, some owners have experienced interior quality issues over time, impacting the overall driving experience.

Wing Hydraulics:
- - Symptoms: Malfunctioning wing operation.
  - Details: Problems with the wing hydraulics can lead to issues with the wing not functioning correctly, triggering warning lights on the dashboard. While this may not affect the performance of the car, it can be an annoyance for owners and impact the overall driving experience.

Electrical Components:
- - Issues: Rear wiper and sunroof functionality.
  - Details: Some owners have reported issues with the rear wiper and sunroof, with intermittent functionality. While these may not be critical issues affecting the performance of the vehicle, they can add to the maintenance efforts required to keep the car in top condition.

These common problems reported by owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo 2003 highlight key areas where potential issues may arise. Addressing these problems promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate risks and maintain the performance and reliability of this iconic sports car.

Is Porsche 911 Turbo reliable?

There are some issues with the Porsche 911, as with any vehicle. However, it's a generally dependable sports car choice, and some years are even better than classic cars like the Honda Civic.

What is the problem with the Porsche 911 996 turbo?

The 996 has a turbo coolant pipe strong enough to deal with the pressure, but the epoxy Porsche used for the fittings would often fail and allow massive coolant leaks, which can cause major problems. A bad turbo coolant pipe can cause a large loss of coolant, which can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage.

What are bad years for Porsche 911?

Quick Answer: Avoid 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 Porsche 996s

With such big changes to the chassis, engine, cooling system, and front suspension, you might expect there to be tons of problems with the 996 generation of Porsche 911.

What years did Porsche have engine problems?

The Porsche IMS bearing problem years are from 1997 to 2005, with the M96 or M97 engine in these models being particularly susceptible. The single-row bearing used from model year 2000 through 2005 is of the greatest concern. However, any IMS bearing can and will fail if not replaced as part of regular maintenance.

2003 Porsche 911 turbo complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Porsche 911 turbo.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2003 Porsche 911 turbo recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2003 Porsche 911 turbo.

2020-12-11

Manufacturer: Tenneco Automotive
Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Summary: Ohlins USA, Inc (Ohlins) is recalling certain Front Struts, part number POS 5N20. These struts were sold as part of Ohlins strut kits part number POZ MN02, intended for installation on 1999-2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 996), and 2001-2006 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 996) and kit part number POZ MN05, intended for installation on 2005-2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S (generation 997), and 2006-2013 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S (generation 997). The pin of the strut may experience excessive stress during maximum steering, possibly resulting breakage of the pin.
Consequence: If the pin fails, it will cause separation of the strut from the vehicle, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ohlins will notify owners, and dealers will request the return of all unsold kits containing the subject part from dealer/distributor inventory for a full refund. All owners who purchased one of the kits (POZ MN02 or POZ MN05) will receive replacement front struts (POS 5N20 or POS 5N21 - These parts are interchangeable), along with new top mount interface solutions, free of charge. The recall began December 22, 2020. Owners may contact Ohlins customer service at 1-800-336-9029.

2004-02-18

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: SEATS
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH FRONT SEAT BACKS, WHICH DO NOT MEET PORSCHE'S STRENGTH STANDARDS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEATS COULD TWIST, TILTING ON ONE SIDE TO THE REAR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE FRONT SEATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

2003-06-16

Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A LOOSE FITTING IN THE PRESSURE LINE OF THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: IF THE FITTING IS LOOSE, THE HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD LEAK OUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND, FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, LOSS OF CLUTCH ASSISTANCE. IF THE LEAKING FLUID COMES INTO CONTACT WITH HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS, IT COULD IGNITE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE FITTING TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Porsche 911 turbo problems:

Porsche 996 Turbo Top 5 Issues | Buyers Guide - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8p0xFzoWsI

Jul 26, 2017 ... Porsche 911 Turbo 996 Top 5 Issues | Buyers Guide Top 5 problems buyers should look for when looking to purchase a 2001-2004 Porsche 996 ...

Should I get a manual 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera with 75,000 miles ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/14vxsrl/should_i_get_a_manual_2003_porsche_911_carrera/

Jul 10, 2023 ... 911s are surprisingly reliable as long as you do the maintenance (and that it's been done correctly in the past). Budget for unforeseen issues.

Porsche 911 Turbo 996 | Worth The Risks? - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR9BtrfRhm4

May 15, 2020 ... We review the 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo 996 and discuss the good and bad of this controversial generation. Many will complain that sports cars ...

Porsche 911 Turbo 996 | Worth The Risks? : r/cars

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/gk8gbz/porsche_911_turbo_996_worth_the_risks/

May 15, 2020 ... The last thing I want to call out is that other than the interior annoyances (panels rattling etc.), the mechanical reliability (by sports car ...